We’re spotlighting talent in the cosplay community! Every month, The Variant showcases cosplayers who display talent, creativity, and a positive voice within the cosplay community.

Hi there! I’m LuminaLuxe, but you can call me Lumi!

I’m originally from Amsterdam, NL, but have spent a majority of my life in the states. As a kiddo I loved dressing up as my favorite characters and connecting with them. I’ve always loved anything that felt magical or out-of-this-world, so it makes total sense that I’d fall in love with cosplay!

My first official cosplay happened when I was about 14 or 15. I wore a few more on and off for the next few years, but didn’t find the confidence to cosplay frequently until recently! I love styling wigs but have just started dipping my toes into costume building. My first “big” build was Star Guardian Zoe! She’s definitely a labor of love as I’m super fond of the chaotic ankle-biter.

I specialize in wig styling, and that’s where I find most of the joy in cosplaying. I love challenging myself to find new ways to bring styles to life! I’m working my way towards branching out and becoming a more well-rounded cosplayer. In the meantime, I’ll likely continue to spend most of my crafting time inhaling steam and hairspray.

Cosplay has truly helped me come out of my shell and find a community in others. I hope I can help spread a fraction of the joy it makes me feel!

Every time we go to a convention there’s one question we always get asked: How can I become a part of The Variant? People are always speculating that they need to know someone that’s “in” with us or they need to become friends with us and while both of those are kind of true, the real truth about it is to just be a good person. Our Cosplay Advocates are constantly following other cosplayers and the cosplay community, looking for the people that shine. We don’t just mean the best cosplays either. That line at the top of this section: “Every month, The Variant showcases cosplayers who display talent, creativity, and a positive voice within the cosplay community.” That’s literally It.  Don’t believe us? Ask LuminaLuxe!! Staff Photog, Josh Thompson, had shot with Lumi in the past and when she popped up on his radar recently he brought us her info. One of our Cosplay Coordinators, BlackKarma Cosplay vouched for her with a resounding “I Love Lumi!! She’d be perfect!!!” and the rest is history!  This month Lumi brought us her Zoe from League of Legends as well as her Xiangling from Genshin Impact! Josh and Staff Videographer Jeremy Deihl did a full fireworks shoot with Lumi at What’s The Deihl Studios and the rest was shot on location at Fayetteville Comic Con!! WAIT!!…why are you still reading this?? GO CHECK OUT THE PICS!!